March 12th Meeting Minutes

Meeting Overview

The Hollidaysburg Borough Council held its regular meeting on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers. President Sean Burke called the meeting to order. A quorum was present, including Council members Brady Leahey, Jeffrey Ketner, David Jacobs, Clay Gingrich, Walter Kalista, III, and William Kitt.

Key Resolutions & Votes

• Resolution 2026-13 (K-9 Officer Appointment): Approved the appointment of Bryan Ketner as the Borough’s K-9 Officer. The motion passed 6-0 (Jeffrey Ketner abstained).
• Resolution 2026-14 (Employment Agreement): Approved the employment agreement with Bryan Ketner. The motion passed 6-0 (Jeffrey Ketner abstained).
• Resolution No. 2026-15 (Consent Agenda): Approved Bill List Number 3 totaling $115,511.92 and a Certificate of Appropriateness for 305 Walnut Street. The motion passed 7-0.
• Funding Shift (CDBG): Approved a motion to shift Community Development Block Grant funds from the Gaysport Stormwater project to sidewalk rehabilitation. This was contingent on returning the funds to the stormwater project once required income surveys are returned and the project qualifies. The motion passed 7-0.
• Junior Council Residency: Approved a motion requiring Junior Council members to reside in the Borough. The motion passed 7-0.
• Resolution No. 2026-16 (Slinky Museum): Tabled the resolution regarding the location of a Slinky Museum at the Reiser House until the April Council meeting. The motion to table passed 6-1.

Reports & Updates

• Manager’s Report: Officer candidate interviews are scheduled for March 21, 2026. The Parking Committee will meet on March 20 to review quotes for updating the metered parking system.
• Mayor’s Report: Mayor Chad Repko introduced Officer Bryan Ketner and K-9 DEA. He thanked sponsors for the new K-9 program and discussed the proposed Slinky museum.
• Fire Marshall Report: Amy Hazlett reminded residents that open burning is prohibited in the Borough and thanked first responders for assisting with a recent fire on the 1500 block of Allegheny Street.
• Gaysport Stormwater Mitigation: An update on the Phase II study was provided. Staff is awaiting updated price quotes (expected in 2-3 weeks). A special meeting may be needed soon to discuss the project further.
• East Side Stormwater Update: Staff is in the final stages of obtaining property owner easements needed for the project.
• Blight Committee Update: The committee is finalizing a draft of a vacant property ordinance to present after legal counsel approval.

Public Comment

Several residents spoke during the public comment period:

• Slinky Museum: Marie Little, Jane Sheffield (reading a letter from Astride McLanahan), and Regis Nale all spoke regarding the proposed Slinky museum.
• HALAS Updates: Nichole Nagle provided updates on recent call volumes for the Hollidaysburg American Legion Ambulance Service.
• Gaysport Flooding: Elda Boose and Stan Neal both requested updates on funding and grants related to flooding in Gaysport.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned by President Sean Burke at 8:07 PM. Minutes were recorded by Borough Secretary Sara Williams.